Brad Miller Gets 5-Game NBA Ban; Was it Steroids?

Brad Miller, the veteran center of the Sacramento Kings, received a five-game suspension from the NBA after violating the league’s anti-drug program. The name of the drug was not released, and speculation was that it may have been marijuana or even anabolic steroids.

Looking at Miller’s injury history makes one wonder if he did take a performance-enhancing drug. He missed quality time for two years leading up to last season, where he played in 72 games and averaged 13.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game before being forced to the sideline for the final seven games due to a left leg stress fracture and a bad elbow.

Miller released a statement through the team, which did not give any clues as to what he was actually suspended for. “I want to apologize to my family, teammates, fans and the entire Kings organization,” the statement read. “I made a mistake. It was an error in judgement and I’m very sorry. I regret it deeply. It’s something I won’t and can’t take lightly. I hope to bounce back from this as a better person adn I’m excited about the upcoming season”

The NBA’s drug policy is a 10-game suspension for steroids, but this report was very vague. Miller could have missed taking a scheduled test, which would fall under the umbrella of “violating the league’s drug program.” There is nothing in the statement by the NBA indicating there was a positive test or even an actual test run.

Looking over the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player is gone for 10 games the first time he gets caught using performance-enhancing drugs, but won’t miss that many games until his fourth positive test of marijuana. What exactly does that say to the fans?

Miller will serve the suspension at the beginning of the 2008-09 season.